iPads have become an essential tool for students at all levels of education, offering a versatile platform for learning, creativity, and productivity. With the release of new models each year, it can be tough to choose the right iPad that suits your needs, whether you’re a high school student, college student, or graduate student. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best iPads for students in 2025, considering factors such as performance, affordability, screen size, and features that enhance the learning experience.
1. iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025): The Ultimate Device for Power Users
If you need an iPad that can handle heavy-duty tasks like graphic design, video editing, or multitasking, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025) is the top choice for students who need the best performance available.
Key Features:
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M2 Chip: The latest Apple M2 chip provides lightning-fast performance, ideal for handling complex applications like Adobe Creative Suite, programming, or running multiple apps simultaneously.
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12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display: The large screen size and stunning display quality make it perfect for watching lectures, editing photos, and creating digital artwork.
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Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) Support: The iPad Pro is compatible with the Apple Pencil, allowing you to take notes, annotate PDFs, and create detailed digital drawings with ease.
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Thunderbolt Port: For students who need to connect to external monitors, hard drives, or other peripherals, the Thunderbolt port is a major advantage.
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch is perfect for students who prioritize performance and need the versatility to handle professional-level tasks. However, it comes at a premium price, so it’s best suited for those who need advanced features.
2. iPad Air 5th Generation (2025): Best Value for Most Students
For students who want a balance of performance and price, the iPad Air 5th Generation (2025) is an excellent choice. With a slim design, powerful performance, and a more affordable price tag than the iPad Pro, it’s a fantastic option for most students, from high school to college.
Key Features:
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M1 Chip: The M1 chip offers exceptional performance that’s more than capable of running productivity apps, creative software, and casual gaming apps with ease.
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10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display: The display is vibrant and sharp, making it a great option for watching lectures, reading textbooks, or browsing the web.
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Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) Support: The iPad Air supports the Apple Pencil, perfect for note-taking, sketching, and annotating documents during class.
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Touch ID: The iPad Air features Touch ID for secure login and payments, adding an extra layer of security to your device.
The iPad Air provides great performance and features at a mid-range price, making it ideal for students looking for a versatile device that won’t break the bank.
3. iPad 10.2-inch (2025): The Budget-Friendly Option
For students on a budget who still want a quality iPad, the iPad 10.2-inch (2025) offers excellent value. While it may not have the high-end features of the iPad Pro or iPad Air, it provides all the essential functions students need for studying, note-taking, and media consumption.
Key Features:
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A14 Bionic Chip: The A14 chip offers solid performance for most everyday tasks like browsing the internet, watching videos, and using productivity apps.
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10.2-inch Retina Display: The display is sharp and clear, offering an immersive experience for reading e-books, watching educational videos, or working on assignments.
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Apple Pencil (1st Gen) Support: This model supports the original Apple Pencil, making it a great tool for students who want to take handwritten notes or draw.
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Affordable Price: The iPad 10.2-inch offers a budget-friendly price, making it the best option for students who need a reliable tablet without the extra features of the more expensive models.
If you need a solid device for basic tasks like online research, writing papers, and taking notes, the iPad 10.2-inch is the ideal budget-friendly option.
4. iPad Mini 6 (2025): Perfect for Portability
For students who prefer a smaller, more portable tablet, the iPad Mini 6 (2025) is a great option. Its compact design makes it easy to carry around in a backpack, and it packs impressive power in a small form factor.
Key Features:
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A15 Bionic Chip: The A15 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and using educational apps.
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8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display: The smaller screen is ideal for portability, and the high-quality display ensures that all your content looks sharp and vibrant.
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Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) Support: The iPad Mini supports the Apple Pencil, making it perfect for note-taking or drawing while on the go.
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Ultra-Lightweight Design: Weighing just 0.65 pounds, the iPad Mini is extremely portable, making it an excellent choice for students who are always on the move.
If portability is important to you, the iPad Mini is an excellent choice for students who need a lightweight device for reading, taking notes, and browsing while traveling between classes or on public transport.
5. iPad Pro 11-inch (2025): The Ideal Balance of Performance and Size
The iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) is a great choice for students who want the power of the larger iPad Pro but prefer a more compact size. It strikes the perfect balance between performance and portability, making it an ideal option for students who need a powerhouse device that can still fit into a bag or backpack easily.
Key Features:
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M2 Chip: The iPad Pro 11-inch comes with the M2 chip, offering exceptional performance for running professional apps and multitasking with ease.
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11-inch Liquid Retina Display: The vibrant display is perfect for media consumption, reading, and studying.
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Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) Support: As with the larger iPad Pro, the 11-inch model supports the Apple Pencil, making it great for note-taking, drawing, and sketching.
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Compact and Lightweight: While it offers powerful features, the 11-inch size is compact and lightweight, making it perfect for students on the go.
The iPad Pro 11-inch is ideal for students who want a high-performance device in a more portable form factor than the 12.9-inch model.
Conclusion
Choosing the best iPad for your studies depends on your needs, budget, and preferences. If you need top-tier performance and a larger screen, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch is an excellent choice. For those seeking a balance of price and performance, the iPad Air is perfect, while the iPad 10.2-inch offers great value for budget-conscious students. The iPad Mini is perfect for portability, and the iPad Pro 11-inch is the ideal option for those who want high performance in a compact design.
No matter which model you choose, the iPad will undoubtedly enhance your study experience in 2025, providing you with powerful tools to stay organized, creative, and productive.
